> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Senegal proposes tougher anti-LGBTQ+ laws
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/senegal-proposes-tougher-anti-lgbtq-laws/
- Published: 2021-12-14T10:10:53.000Z
- Updated: 2021-12-14T09:33:15.000Z
- Description: Lawmakers in Senegal, West Africa have drafted a law that would enforce even harsher punishments for the country’s repressed LGBTQ+ community.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, Africa, Ghana, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+ rights, UN

Lawmakers in Senegal, West Africa have drafted a law that would enforce even harsher punishments for the country’s repressed LGBTQ+ community, causing concern among activists. While same-sex relations between men are already punishable by 5 years in prison, the new law would lengthen prison sentences by an additional five years, as well as extending its coverage to all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Alioune Souare, who helped to draft the legislation, told [*Reuters*](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-senegal-lgbt-idUSKBN2IS26N?ref=scenemag.co.uk) that the law will likely be proposed to parliament in the coming days. Senegalese LGBTQ+ activist, Djamil Bangoura, called on international leaders to condemn the law, saying: *“When individual freedoms, in particular the most sacred privacy between consenting adults – are attacked, then there is little time left to realise that democracy is in danger.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/africa-lgbt-600-400.jpg)

Senegal is not the only West African country to be considering tougher anti-LGBTQ+ laws, with [Ghana](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/ghanas-anti-lgbtq-bill-gains-support/) also planning on extending prison sentences for those found engaging in same-sex relations. The UN has already spoken out against the proposed laws in Ghana *“which seems to establish a system of state-sponsored discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ persons.”*